Andre Johnson to start Sunday; Keshawn Martin a game-time decision

Texans coach Gary Kubiak met with reporters after practice today and said that receivers Andre Johnson (leg) and Keshawn Martin (shoulder) had returned to practice and would be game-time decisions for Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams.

When informed that Johnson had already told the media that he would start against the Rams, Kubiak said, “Good? I like that.”

Johnson, who leads the team with 37 catches for 407 yards, has been playing with a badly bruised shin since the loss at Baltimore that started the current three-game losing streak.

“I feel better this week than last week,” Johnson said.

Martin is the third receiver who plays in the slot. He has six catches for 92 yards. Martin also returns kickoffs (26.3-yard average) and punts (4.6).

Right guard Brandon Brooks (toe) returned to practice on Wednesday and will start against the Rams.

It looks as if inside linebacker Tim Dobbins (hamstring) will miss a third consecutive game.

<center><strong>Week 5: 49ers 34, Texans 3</center></strong><br>
Matt Schaub (8) stands on the sidelines as backup quarterback T.J. Yates (13) prepares to go into the game during the fourth quarter. less

<center><strong>Week 5: 49ers 34, Texans 3</center></strong><br>
Matt Schaub (8) stands on the sidelines as backup quarterback T.J. Yates (13) prepares to go into the game during the fourth ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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49ers defensive back Tramaine Brock returns an intercepted pass by Texans quarterback Matt Schaub 18 yards for a touchdown during the first quarter.

49ers defensive back Tramaine Brock returns an intercepted pass by Texans quarterback Matt Schaub 18 yards for a touchdown during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans kicker Randy Bullock watches his miss on a 45-yard field goal attept during the first quarter.

Texans kicker Randy Bullock watches his miss on a 45-yard field goal attept during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans wide receiver Keshawn Martin reaches for a pass as 49ers defensive back Darryl Morris defends during the first quarter.

Texans wide receiver Keshawn Martin reaches for a pass as 49ers defensive back Darryl Morris defends during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans running back Arian Foster is brought down by 49ers free safety Eric Reid during the first quarter.

Texans running back Arian Foster is brought down by 49ers free safety Eric Reid during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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49ers running back Frank Gore scores on a 1-yard touchdown run past Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton during the first quarter.

49ers running back Frank Gore scores on a 1-yard touchdown run past Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton during the first quarter.

Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) slams Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) to the turf in overtime. Jackson was penalized for a personal foul on the play, giving the Seahawks a first down. ( Brett ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled on the sidelines by Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton (51) in overtime. Shaprton was called for a horse collar penalty on the play. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled on the sidelines by Texans inside linebacker Darryl Sharpton (51) in overtime. Shaprton was called for a horse collar penalty on the play. ( Brett Coomer / ... more

Titans quarterback Jake Locker is sacked by Texans defensive end J.J. Watt during the third quarter.

Titans quarterback Jake Locker is sacked by Texans defensive end J.J. Watt during the third quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Running back Ben Tate breaks away from Titans strong safety Bernard Pollard for a 60-yard run during the first quarter

Running back Ben Tate breaks away from Titans strong safety Bernard Pollard for a 60-yard run during the first quarter

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans mascot Toro rappels from the top of the stadium as the 2012 AFC South Champions banner is unfurled before facing the Titans.

Texans mascot Toro rappels from the top of the stadium as the 2012 AFC South Champions banner is unfurled before facing the Titans.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>Week 1: Texans 31, Chargers 28</center></strong><br>
Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Chargers as time expired. less

<center><strong>Week 1: Texans 31, Chargers 28</center></strong><br>
Texans kicker Randy Bullock is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Chargers as time ... more